Blasting needle attachment.



L. E. M. HARRIS. BLASTING NEEDLE ATTACHMENT. APPLICATION FILED JUNE 21. 1910.

4 984,089 "Patented Feb. 14, 1911.

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BLASTING-NEEDLE ATTACHMENT.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Feb. 14, 1911.

Application filed June 21, 1910. Serial No. 568,237.

this attachmentbeing in the form of a receptacle to hold sand for the tamping process in blasting.

In the blasting of coal or the like, a hole is generally formed in the coal by means of an anger, and the explosive charge is introduced into theouter end of such hole and forced to the inner end of said hole by means of a blasting needle. This needle is allowed to remain in the hole and the miner proceeds to fill the hole with sand or the like, by throwing handfuls of the sand into the opening. A tamping device .is employed to pack the sand within the opening, and after the sand has been thoroughly packed the blasting needle is removed, whereby a small opening is formed through the sand, for the reception of a suitable fuse. The great difficulty experienced in the blasting process, as above outlined, is the filling of the hole with sand. As far as I am aware, no reliable and handy means has been provided for -filling the hole with sand while the blasting needle is within the same.

The object of my invention is to provide simple and inexpensive means, to be used in connection with a blasting needle, whereby sand may be readily placed within a hole, to be tamped.

In the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, and in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same, Figure 1 is a side view of my device, the same being shown in connection with a blasting needle and tamping device, Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the device, Fig. 3 is a bottom plan view of the same, Fig. 4 is a central vertical longitudinal section through the device, and showing the blasting needle and tamping device associated therewith, and Fig. 5 is'avertical cross-sectional view taken on line 55 of Fig. 4.

In the drawings wherein is illustrated a preferred embodiment of my invention, the numeral 1 designates a section of stone or coal which is to be blasted. The section 1 is provided with an opening 2, as shown, to receive an explosive charge 3. The explosive charge is first introduced into the outer end of the opening 2 and forced to the inner end of the same by means of a blasting needle 4, which tapers toward its free end. A tampingdevice 5, comprising a rod 6 and a head 7, is provided for packing the sand within the opening 2. The head 7 of the tamping device 5, is provided, as shown, with a longitudinally disposed groove 8, which is curved in cross section.

My invention resides in the provision of a receptacle or tray 9, which is mounted upon the needle 4 as shown. This tray is substantially U-shaped in cross section and has both of its ends formed open. The free longitudinal edges 10 of the tray 9 are rolled, as shown, to stiffen the tray. The tray 9 has the central longitudinal portion of its material bent upwardly, as shown at 11, to'

form a recess for the reception of the needle 4. It is to be understood that the tray 9 may be adjusted longitudinally. of the needle 4, and means are provided to prevent the accidental rotation or longitudinal movement of said tray. The means above referred to comprise a pair of spring members 12, each of which is formed of a transverse body portion 18 soldered to said tray, and a longitudinal leaf-spring 14. Each of the leaves 14 is curved as shown, and is disposed within the recess within which the blasting needle 1 is arranged. This leaf-spring engages the needle and prevents the tray 9 from accidental displacement, and yet permits the same to be adjusted longitudinally and angularly upon said needle.

In the use of my device, the tray 9 is mounted upon the needle 4, as shown in Fig. 1, and adjusted longitudinally of the needle, until the same is adjacent the open end of the opening 2. Sand or the like is then placed upon the tray 9, and the tamping device is arranged as shown in Fig. 1, so that the wall of its groove 8 engages the curved section 11 of the tray. The tamping device 5 is then moved longitudinally toward the opening 2, whereby the sand upon the tray is carried or forced into the opening 2. The tamping device is then employed to pack this sand within said opening, as isw'ell known.

I wish it understood that the form of my invention herewith shown, and described, is

"it to be taken as a preferred example of the same, and that certain changes may be resorted to, in the shape, size and arrangement of parts, without departing from the spirit of my invention or the scope of the subjoined claims.

Having thus fully described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. In a device of the character described, the combination with a blasting needle, of a tray mounted upon said needle for hold mg sand or the like.

2. In a device of the character described,

the combination with a blasting needle, of a tray adjustably mounted upon said needle for holding sand or the like.

In a device of the character described, the combination with a blasting needle, of a tray mounted upon said needle and capable of being moved longitudinally thereof, and means to prevent the accidental displacement of said tray with relation to the needle.

t. The combination with a blasting needle, of a tray approximately U-shaped in cross section connected with said needle, for holding sand or the like.

5. The combination with a blasting needle,

of a tray movably mounted upon said needle,

said tray being approximately U-shaped in cross-section, and means to prevent the accidental movement of said tray.

6. In a device of the character described, the combination with a blasting needle, of a tray to cooperate therewith, said t ay ha ving a portion of its material bent to form a recess to receive the needle, and means connected with the tray to engage the needle.

7. In a device of the character described, the combination with a blasting needle, of a tray adjustably mounted upon said needle, said tray having its ends formed open, and means to prevent the accidental displacement of the tray with relation to said needle.

8. In a device of the character described, the combination with a blasting needle, of a tray adjustably mounted upon said needle, said tray having its ends formed open and having a section of its material bent upwardly to form a recess for the reception of said needle, and a spring carried by said tray and disposed within said recess, to e11- gage the needle.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

LOUIS E. M. HARRIS. lVitnesses MICHAEL J. LAUGI'ILIN, STANLEY UHL. 

